My Favorite Novels for 2016

What I loved reading this year

It’s the time of the year when I share with you my favorite books! Yesterday I gave you my favorite nonfiction titles. Today it’s time for fiction!

So much wonderful reading this year in novels. I had to keep pairing my list down because it was so hard to choose just a handful. Let’s get started!

The Undoing of Saint Silvanus by Beth Moore (Tyndale)

I shared with you in a post this fall about my initial skepticism that I had when I was told that Beth Moore had written a novel. But ever since I read The Undoing of Saint Silvanus I have been singing its praise along with that of Beth’s as a novelist!

Through this well-developed and intricately woven contemporary story set in New Orleans, you meet flawed, funny, and somewhat familiar characters. From troubled Jillian to smart mouthed Adella to stubborn and broken Olivia, each person is someone you become invested in.

Beth’s skill of communicating the grace and power of God’s work in our lives is prevalent all through this novel. I highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of novelists like Francine Rivers or Katie Ganshert. I also challenge any of you who might still be skeptical on whether Beth Moore can write anything beyond a Bible study. You’ll be pleasantly surprised, I guarantee it.

The Long Journey to Jake Palmer by James L. Rubart (Thomas Nelson)

James Rubart is not a stranger to my list of favorite books from year to year. As a fiction fan, his stories always captivate me. And as the book buyer for LifeWay Christian Store, he’s one of the novelists that I’m always trying to get more and more of our customers to check out. I believe in him that much. If you’ve never read Rubart before, The Long Journey to Jake Palmer is the perfect book to start with.

I appreciate novels that represent real life. People with relatable struggles and authentic faith journeys wrapped up within a riveting read remind me why I enjoy Christian fiction. The Long Journey to Jake Palmerfits this description. You’ll sense the desperation in Jake’s life after a life changing decision led to emotional and physical scars. On the outside he seems to be moving on with his life but those that know him well, especially his friends who are pushing him to join them on their annual lake vacation, know that time is running out on Jake. The longer he closes himself off to the world the higher the chance that he’ll never fully recover.

The mysterious corridor that is said to exist at the lake seems like utter nonsense and complete local lore to Jake. But his curiosity gets the best of him and he finds himself looking for it each day. He senses in his soul that if it’s real and if he can find it that in some crazy way, it could heal him.

As only James Rubart can do, the story will have you thinking how it will shake out only to find you were wrong. If you’re ready for a masterful storyteller without one iota of the “Christian cheese” that sometimes our industry is known for (bless us), then please check out James Rubart.

The First Hostage by Joel C. Rosenberg (Tyndale)

After being left with the mother of a cliff hanger in book one of the J.B. Collins series, The First Hostage picked right back up in the middle of the action that The Third Target left us in.

We catch up with J.B. Collins in Amman, Jordan right after a terrorist attack where many are killed and the President of the United States has gone missing. Collins finds himself in the inner circle of the king of Jordan and must quickly discern who to trust and who to avoid as they seek to recover the president.

Rosenberg is an expert at crafting a fast-paced, action packed novel around events that seem like they are ripped right out of today’s headlines. I have honestly learned a lot about radical Islam, the Middle East, and politics from his novels.

Grab book one, The Third Target and The First Hostage for some great holiday reading. Yes, they are big books but with the pace of the stories, you won’t be able to put them down any time soon!

Saffire by Sigmund Brouwer (Waterbrook)

I gravitate to historical novels for the most part and have a tendency to read ones that are all set in similar time periods and locations. Saffire by Sigmund Brower took me to unfamiliar waters… the building of the Panama Canel.

It’s 1909 and James Holt arrives in Panama to complete what he thinks is a short term project on behalf of an unknown man. The only information he had was to report to the administration building in Colon to receive more information. While sitting in the stifling heat of a waiting room, he becomes enraptured with a spirited young girl named Saffire who is determined to see the Colonel. Holt can’t even begin to imagine what a poor girl would want with a high ranking American official.

As the details of his mysterious summons to Panama begin to unfold, Holt finds himself caught up in an intense game of deceit and intrigue. All is set against the most impressive engineering achievement of the century which is a fascinating character in the story.

I recommend Saffire to readers who enjoy a historical tale that is based on actual events and people. You’ll not only have a gripping story to read but you’ll learn some cool facts about the Panama Canal, too.

The Painter’s Daughter by Julie Klassen (Bethany House)

If you’ve been with me long, I know you are not shocked to see a Julie Klassen novel on my favorite reads list. The Painter’s Daughter became rather monumental for me in my love Julie’s books: it has become my most favorite of her novels to date!

Sophie Dupont is a quiet, creative girl who finds herself swept off her feet by the handsome painter that comes to her beloved Lymouth, England for the season. When he leaves, Sophie is left with a broken heart and an impossible situation for an unwed woman to find herself in. When Stephen Overtree shows up looking for his wandering older brother, all he discovers is a young woman who has obviously been left in Wesley’s wake, again. Stephen is used to cleaning up after his brother but does he dare take on this? Honor and duty says yes, but his heart is unsure.

What makesThe Painter’s Daughter stand out for me above the rest of Julie’s novels is the slightly different approaches to the story she takes. We enter into the plot through several interesting characters. Sophie and her desperate need to find a secure future. Wesley, the wondering older brother who has moments of revelation that maybe it’s time to change his life before it’s too late. The younger brother, Stephen, who has felt for almost 30 years that he is responsible for fixing any problem his brother causes, no matter the cost. And the members of the Overtree house that include a mother who dotes on one son while blaming the other, a likable Grandfather and fun-loving younger sister, and a quirky old governess who lives in the attic.

The Alliance by Jolina Petersheim (Tyndale)

My sales rep hesitantly presented The Alliance to me in this manner, “Think of it a bit like an apocalyptic Amish novel.” Had I not already been a huge fan of Jolina Petersheim, I’m pretty sure I would have laughed at him. But instead I eagerly asked him to tell me more!

Everything in Leora’s life has changed with the crashing of a plane by her house. Her once solid pacifist viewpoints are challenged when her quiet Amish community is faced with real-world events. The outside is creeping into their Old Order life as people look for food, shelter, and support. With the threat of violence and uncertainty, Leora and her neighbors must decide how far they will go to protect themselves.

As an outsider and one that has knowledge of why everything in the world seems to have quit working, Moses becomes a needed leader, although sometimes an unwelcome one, in the Amish community. Initially the loss of electricity, transportation, and phone services do not phase them and Moses struggles to communicate how dire their position can become as outsiders begin roaming the land for food.

Moses and the other Englischers who are stranded in the Amish community are challenging everything that the Old Order members believe in… especially in the taking up of arms and violence. What tragic events have to happen for the Amish to see that things are going to get worse before they get better? Will they ever get better?

Warning… it will leave you with a cliffhanger! But book two, The Divide, comes summer 2017!

Counted with the Stars by Connilyn Cossette (Bethany House)

I adore biblical era novels and I’m always eager to find new authors in this genre. Connilyn Cossette debuted this year with Counted with the Stars. While I’ve read many novels set against The Exodus out of Egypt, I had never read one that gives an account from an Egyptian slave. That was a refreshing angle for me.

Kiya is an Egyptian who has ended up a slave after being sold by her father. Her mistress is cruel and finds much pleasure in demoralizing Kiya despite the fact that Kiya was from a once well off family like hers. Kiya’s new life is nothing by hard work, humiliation, and has no chance for hope.

As word spreads about a man who is calling on Pharaoh to release the Hebrews, Kiya begins to wonder what that means for her country. When plagues of frogs, locust, hail, and more hit the land, Kiya finds her chance to leave. She ends up with a band of Hebrews who take her under their wing as they set off across to a land that they believe to be promised to them by their God.

Leaving everything behind to travel with hundreds of thousands of people who believe in a God she can’t see, Kiya has to decide to move forward or to return to the only land she’s ever known in spite of her slavery.

Cossette is certainly a debut novelist from 2016 to check out.

A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton (Waterbrook)

Lori Benton just can’t keep herself off my favorite books of the year list even if she tried. Love her!

A Flight of Arrows continues the story of Reginald Aubrey, his daughter Anna, and Two Hawks that we met in The Wood’s Edge last year. Aubrey’s long held secret of taking a lighter-skinned Indian baby when his son died at birth has become known and the ramifications of that action send ripple effects through not only his family but also of the Indian family who have mourned the child from the beginning.

Set against historical events of the early American frontier, this beautiful story of shame, forgiveness, and the power of God to work on all hearts continues to set Benton apart from her counterparts. She remains one of my most recommend authors to people who love historical novels.

What about you?

What novels did you enjoy reading this year? I’d love to hear from you!

And.. coming tomorrow! I’ll be kicking off My Favorite Books of 2016 giveaway! It will be your chance to win each of my top reads for the year. Come back and see me tomorrow for all the details.

About Rachel McRae

Rachel McRae is the book buyer for LifeWay Christian Stores.
Follow on Twitter: @LifeWay_Books

Staci

I have not read The Undoing of Saint Silvanus, The Long Journey of Jake Palmer or The First Hostage. After the large number of awards for The Five Times I Met Myself, I decided I must read it and am glad I did! The Long Journey of Jake Palmer is on my TBR. Joel Rosenberg’s series is on my TBR. He is definitely an author I enjoy reading. A Flight of Arrows was a five star read for me. Lori Benton is so talented. I completely enjoyed Counted With the Stars (yeah for finding a new author) and The Alliance. Other top reads for me were Confessions of X, The Promise of Jesse Woods and Newton and Polly. I’m not sure yet of my top read for the year. I read many fabulous novels this year!! On a debut note, I read several 2015 debuts this year that stood out: Carry Me Home by Dorothy Adamek, Kept by Sally Bradley, Jaded by Varina Denman, Close to You by Kara Isaac and The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker.

Rachel McRae

Jessie Woods and Newton and Polly are in my stack patiently waiting on me.

I so love Rachelle Dekker, too! Looking forward to the last book in her series in early 2017.

Totally agree with you on Lori Benton. Major talent there. I love recommending her to people and getting them hooked on her!

Yay for good fiction reading this year!

Jim Rubart

So glad you liked Five Times, Staci! 🙂

Jim

Jolina Petersheim

Thank you so much for reading The Alliance, Staci; I am so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

Patty Rude

Of these, I have only read A Flight of Arrows. Lori Benton is great in my book, have enjoyed each of her novels.
I think I have Counted With the Stars on my shelf, but just don’t have enough time to read all of the great books out there.
I got an e-mail from Goodreads of my reading year in review, and I only read 26 books. To the average person that might be a lot, but I have hundreds on my shelf I will probably never get to at that rate!

Rachel McRae

I’m the same way, Patty! I think I’ve read 50 books this year and I’m disappointed in myself. I feel like such a slacker!

Great List, Rachel. LOVED The Painter’s Daughter and Lori’s. My favorite books of the year were Traces of Guilt by Dee Henderson and Becky Wade’s Her One and Only. Both great reads.

Rachel McRae

What great taste in books you have… ha! Certainly a fun book year.

rmaney

I have read some of the these, “The Painter’s Daughter”, “Counted With the Stars” and ” Flight of Arrows”. I have heard great things about some of the others.

Rachel McRae

We share similar reading tastes! Wishing you good reading in the new year!

Jolina Petersheim

What an honor to see The Alliance here, Rachel, amid such a talented group! 🙂 The Long Journey to Jake Palmer looks beautiful, as does Saffire. I’ve heard wonderful things about both. Many blessings on your next reading–and living–year!

Rachel McRae

It was so fun to have a new book from you this year, Jolina! I’m looking forward to the next one in a few months.

Hope your family has a wonderful Tennessee Christmas!

Jolina Petersheim

Thank you! It’s so good to be back with family!

Jim Rubart

Fun to hear that about Jake, Jolina. I’m looking forward to diving into Alliance! Merry Christmas.

A girl on my team here at LifeWay is a major Patrick Carr fan and tells me how great his books are. I look forward to reading your review… thanks for sharing!

Jim Rubart

Loved a Cast of Stones and the rest of that series … Patrick is a great writer and a great person.

Deanna

My favorite fiction novel for the year is The Feathered Bone, recommended by you. Beth Moore’s book is in my stack along with The First Hostage and The Long Journey. I actually read this year Soul’s gate by Jake Palmer and loved that book. It is a series so excited to complete that and read his other books.

Rachel McRae

Yay! So glad you enjoyed Julie Cantrell! Soul’s Gate was so good, too. Happy reading to you in the new year!

Jim Rubart

So glad you liked, Soul’s Gate, Deanna! That was a fun series to write. And glad you’re going to take a peek at Jake, it’s one of my favorites I’ve written so far. Merry Christmas!

Deanna

I apologize James for saying Soul’s Gate was written by Jake Palmer. What was I thinking?! Ha! Thanks for responding and thanks for writing the books you do. I look forward to reading one of your books soon.

Jim Rubart

Deanna, you never know. 🙂 I give hints that all my novels exist in the same universe, so maybe Jake DID write Soul’s Gate!

Tania Stanwood

So good! All of these. My fave Sci-Fi of the month of December has been The Guide of Time by Cinzia de Santis. It really grabbed me and took me on a ride and for me that’s what I love!

About Rachel McRae

Rachel McRae has been with LifeWay Christian Stores for 17 years. For the past 11 years, she has been the Book Buyer and spends much of her day neck deep in books. read more